Want to try separates, what to expect.

Inna

I auditioned the Diablo 300 it sounds like  good solid state only. Not lifelike! 

Well, nothing is quite lifelike, but I think you are in a minority when it comes to Gryphon, Diablo 300 is a hell of a piece and is worth every cent. But tubes are tubes. However, I know that even most hard core tubeheads appreciate what Gryphons can do.
There are also of course a few Swiss integrateds worth considering, and I think couple of Italian, don't remember the names. Some say German T+A integrated is great too, very possibly, don't know.
$12k used is both a lot and not enough, I would have problems within this range. Cables and cords are not exactly free either.

You can certainly expect a lot more advice then you expected......

We don't know what he expected but yeah, it's not bad, might complicate matter, though. But it's a serious decision, better look at it from every angle.

Again thanks for your comments. As far as other equipment goes I use an OPPO 105 for disks into a Wyred 4 Sound 2v2SE DAC for two channel music> I also stream a lot of music from Tidal. No vinyl at this time. I use a mix of Signal Cable and Audio Art cables with one or two Pangia power cables. My speakers are Tyler Acoustic Woodmere II. I am using two Rythmik F12G subs as well My room is very long At 14' wide by 38' long by 7' high.  1 x 1 staple up acoustic ceiling tile and carpet on concrete floors. I also have some pasture built (home made) bass traps of 3 lb density mineral wool 5" thick covered with curtain fabric in all corners floor to ceiling with a couple at first and second reflection points on both side walls. I also have Jim Smiths book, hope this helps, Allen